adj
C2
Proficient
counterproductive
kown-tuhp-ruh-DUHK-tihv
Counterproductive (adj) means having the opposite effect of what was intended; causing more harm than good. Example: “Yelling at the team was counterproductive and only lowered morale.”
adj
1
Having the opposite effect of what was intended; causing more harm than good.
"Yelling at the team was counterproductive and only lowered morale."
How to use counterproductive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing more harm than good, working against the goal you were trying to achieve.
Common pairings
counterproductive approach
prove counterproductive
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more counterproductive
- Superlative
- most counterproductive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Yelling at the team was _____ and only lowered morale.
Etymology
From counter- + productive.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for counterproductive
See all rhymes for counterproductive →Frequently asked questions
What does “counterproductive” mean?
The word “counterproductive” means having the opposite effect of what was intended; causing more harm than good. In plain terms, doing more harm than good, working against the goal you were trying to achieve.
How do you pronounce “counterproductive”?
“Counterproductive” is pronounced kown-tuhp-ruh-DUHK-tihv (/ˌkaʊntəpɹəˈdʌktɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “counterproductive” in a sentence?
Here is “counterproductive” used in a sentence: “Yelling at the team was counterproductive and only lowered morale.”
What is the opposite of “counterproductive”?
The opposite of “counterproductive” — its antonyms — is productive.
What part of speech is “counterproductive”?
“Counterproductive” is an adjective.
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